The US Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl (NSB) is a nationwide academic competition for middle and high school students that tests knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics. It was created in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in those fields.

The middle school competition is a highly competitive event in which student teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format and are tested on a range of science disciplines including life, physical, earth, space, and general science; energy; and mathematics.

Teams of diverse backgrounds are comprised of four students, one alternate, and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. Teams of homeschooled students are considered to belong to a school as long as they are part of an official homeschool association. All students on a homeschooled team must live within the geographic boundaries of the teamís assigned regional event.

All teams first compete in regional competitions, and the regional championship teams then compete at the national event. Coaches are responsible for registering their team online for the regional competition. Registrations are based on the location of the school. To find a schoolís regional location and regional event information, visit the website at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/nsb/regional-competitions/middle-school-regionals/. Regional winners are invited to attend the national event and receive an all-expense paid trip to compete for the national title.

Regional competition dates vary, but are typically between January and March. See the website for specific dates. The national competition will take April 26 through 30, 2018; April 25 through 29, 2019; and April 30 through May 4, 2020.